You are right, many though not all would dream of moving or retiring to a house in the country. Most will never do it and when they do it often comes as a culture shock. Not all adapt well or stay. With respect I don’t think either the aristocracy or the royal family have much to do with it. The Industrial Revolution though and the disconnect for a century or so is a factor. After WW1 and the development and marketing of the suburbs around the rail/underground network as a chance to live in the country but with the access to the town embedded the concept even for those who couldn’t do it. For the last 50 years or so the dream has been fed by magazines and now by tv programmes. Don’t forget the love of gardening, which goes back a long way even in the cities is an aspect of a love of nature and by association a connect to the countryside. I live on the outskirts of a tiny village. Now retired but used to drive for half an hour to work, a cost I willingly payed to live where I live.
Forgot to say there is a psychological difference between living in the country because you enjoy that lifestyle and a fantasy of an old country cottage, roses round the door without any concept of the reality of country life. In reality of you are of the former frame of mind the style of house is less important than it’s location, mine is a fairly modern house but I exit my back door and in less than 100 yards I am surrounded by fields.
You are right, many though not all would dream of moving or retiring to a house in the country. Most will never do it and when they do it often comes as a culture shock. Not all adapt well or stay.
With respect I don’t think either the aristocracy or the royal family have much to do with it. The Industrial Revolution though and the disconnect for a century or so is a factor. After WW1 and the development and marketing of the suburbs around the rail/underground network as a chance to live in the country but with the access to the town embedded the concept even for those who couldn’t do it.
For the last 50 years or so the dream has been fed by magazines and now by tv programmes.
Don’t forget the love of gardening, which goes back a long way even in the cities is an aspect of a love of nature and by association a connect to the countryside.
I live on the outskirts of a tiny village. Now retired but used to drive for half an hour to work, a cost I willingly payed to live where I live.
Forgot to say there is a psychological difference between living in the country because you enjoy that lifestyle and a fantasy of an old country cottage, roses round the door without any concept of the reality of country life. In reality of you are of the former frame of mind the style of house is less important than it’s location, mine is a fairly modern house but I exit my back door and in less than 100 yards I am surrounded by fields.
Thank you for sharing your perspective😊 it is truly fascinating how every country, culture is different and has its unique ways:)